Dear Friends and Colleagues,

This week I have first happily to report that last Saturday our faithful friend +Mel Williams was consecrated to the episcopacy in Seattle, Washington. While I’m a little sorry I wasn’t there due to age and condition to be a co-consecrator for Bishop Mel, I was very  happy indeed to see from a photo shot Archbishop Shane Janzen, who leads the the TAC (Traditional Anglican Communion) at its Canadian branch, as a co-consecrator along with our Primus ++Ted Casimes and the Archbishop of Seattle Tim Klerekoper.

For some years now our Archbishop Robert Redmile of Richmond, BC, Canada and Archbishop Shane Janzen have enjoyed full communion; Archbishop Shane is also the Chancellor and President of a Theological College in Victoria, British Columbia. (Dr. Janzen also receives copies of this weekly letter.) 

While not necessarily predicting dramatic developments (these things are usually better without drama) it is good to see, even if it might be over the horizon, the signs of possible further strengthening of relationships among orthodox Christians. We pray the Lord will guide and strengthen whatever He has begun of this nature among ourselves.

I am sure that as soon as the remaining travel restrictions and quarantining goes away, +Mel and Ela will be back on scheduled visits in Cayman and - as well as enjoying their relaxing sea pursuits - will be "at the ready” to assist us at St. Mary’s. (Well I am quite aware that Dr. Tim amongst several others has things lined up for him too so everyone’s got to be patient …).

The Collect for the 1st Sunday after Trinity is 

O God, the strength of all them that put their trust in thee, mercifully accept our prayers; and because through the weakness of our mortal nature we can do no good thing without thee, grant us the help of thy grace, that in keeping of thy commandments we may please thee, both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We are reminded, as many of the Collects do in one way or another, that our “strength” as people of the Lord is connected with the “trust" that we place in Him: that because of the “weakness of our mortal nature” anything that we attempt without God will fall flat on its face. Christians are not allowed to function very far on “auto-pilot” where the living out of their faith, their baptism or their sacramental faithfulness is concerned. “Grant us the help of thy grace” is therefore the central petition of this prayer, in order that “in will and deed” we may by that living out of our Christian profession actually  “please” Him, “both in will and deed”; the prayer being made “through Jesus Christ our Lord”.

And so may the Lord continue to grant us the benefits of the “long view” throughout the weeks of the Trinity Season ahead!

For directions about the services this Sunday the19th June 2022, the 1st Sunday after Trinity, please see the website www.TruthWithLanguage.com .

In faith in the holy Name of our Lord Jesus, who will continue to provide guidance by the Holy Spirit to all His people.

+ Nicholas